Shopping & Style

Tips On Fitting A Swimsuit To Your Body Type From A Denver Expert

Shopping for a swimsuit is a daunting task for almost everyone. With all of the choices available, it can be tricky to find the right suit. Different cuts and colors accentuate different parts of the body. Take the guess work out of choosing a suit with some help from Rita Hapgood, co-owner of Le Soutien, a lingerie boutique in Denver that also sells swimwear.

Rita Hapgood has been the co-owner of Le Soutien since 1997. She was previously an interior designer for over 25 years. Hapgood applies her sense of style and color to every client. Le Soutien carries swimsuits created by lingerie designers who know a thing or two about support and fit. The suits at this boutique are a perfect combination of stylish and flattering. Keep the following tips in mind when looking for your next suit.
Tip 1: Determine your body shape.

This may seem obvious, but it is important to know your body type before you can find a suit to flatter it. Hapgood states, “If you are broad at the shoulders and narrow at the hips, you are an inverted triangle. If you are large in the hips and narrow in the shoulders, you are a pear. Women with waistlines larger than their hips are apple shaped.” Women with equally proportioned shoulders and waistlines are hourglass shaped.
Tip 2: When in doubt, go dark.

Hapgood advises that dark colors tend to be more universally flattering than lighter colors. Darker colors tend to be more forgiving in terms of hiding “flaws.” Hapgood also states, “Solid colors are more flattering for women with issues.” If you are unsure about whether or not a pattern or color combination will draw attention to something you’d like to hide, choose a solid suit.
Tip 3: Seek help when needed.

There are many ways to find a flattering suit. Hapgood shares some of the following tips: “There are some simple rules for prints. If you don’t have much of a waistline, ruching or gathering at the sides and waist are becoming. If one is busty, a solid top and a printed bottom can distract from the bust line. If one has narrow hips, print on the bottom can be balancing.” If you aren’t sure whether or not the suit you’ve tried on is making the most of your body, ask. Most sales people will be honest and will try and help you find a better match.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid of pricier suits.

While it may seem like a waste of money to spend $125 on a suit, keep in mind that more expensive suits tend to last longer and can be more flattering than less expensive ones. “The difference between pricier suits and less expensive ones has to do more with the fabric and tailoring. Also, the more expensive suits will have bras built into them, which adds to the cost,” says Hapgood. With proper care, a pricier suit can last for many seasons, so the cost evens out over time.

Take a hard assessment of your body before shopping for a suit. Rather than looking through a critical eye and picking out every flaw, make a mental note of your best assets. Approach shopping with these assets in mind. Also, ask for help if needed. Hapgood notes that the employees at Le Soutien are more than happy to make recommendations for their customers. “We generally have to give customers encouragement to try different styles. We get a lot of ‘I would never have picked that out myself.’” Try not to go out with a specific idea. Be open to styles you don’t think you’ll look good in. Sales people have experience choosing clothes that flatter. You may end up surprised.
Related: Top Lingerie Shops In Denver

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.